Too conservative for the interstates
At 76 years, I have become too cautious for the "I" routes. Like to drive my rig at 62, I feel I am becoming an obstruction as speed limits rise. Since we want to make a 4000 mile visit to SD and W...
Forum Discussion
The Columbia Gorge is a good example of an interstate and its alternatives.
I84 is mostly flat, staying close to the river. The driver gets to see the broad layout of the gorge, but can't stare across the river or up the slopes at the waterfalls. But there are a couple of good scenic stops.
The photo was taken from above the interstate, possibly from old US30. That's the way to see the forest and falls on the Oregon side up close, but it isn't suitable for an RV.
WA14 on the other side of the river is good 2 lane state highway. It curves more and climbs along a scenic cliff face. It passes through some small towns, and offers a number of stopping points, including a few formal highway rest stops. And I think the views of Oregon side are actually better; at least you can see up to the top, not just the closest slopes.
The 3 routes complement each other. And there even more to see if you can head away from the river into the mountains.
I84 is mostly flat, staying close to the river. The driver gets to see the broad layout of the gorge, but can't stare across the river or up the slopes at the waterfalls. But there are a couple of good scenic stops.
The photo was taken from above the interstate, possibly from old US30. That's the way to see the forest and falls on the Oregon side up close, but it isn't suitable for an RV.
WA14 on the other side of the river is good 2 lane state highway. It curves more and climbs along a scenic cliff face. It passes through some small towns, and offers a number of stopping points, including a few formal highway rest stops. And I think the views of Oregon side are actually better; at least you can see up to the top, not just the closest slopes.
The 3 routes complement each other. And there even more to see if you can head away from the river into the mountains.
